10K run added to Bob Leonard Run/Walk in St. Charles

Runners will take off from Pottawatomie Park this Saturday at the eighth annual Bob Leonard River Run/Walk.Courtesy of JMF Events

Participants in the walking portion of the Bob Leonard River Run/Walk can view sculptures in the park along the way.Daily Herald File Photo

Submitted by Julie Farris

Returning for its eighth year, the Bob Leonard River Run/Walk will feature past favorites along with new components, such as a 10K River Run and a 5K Canine Companion Run.

All events take place Saturday, Aug. 9, starting at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles.

Beginning at 8 a.m., the 10K River Run is professionally chip-timed on a scenic course along the Fox River and through Timber's Park with both the start and finish line in the Pottawatomie Park Grand Pavilion. For those who wish to complete a 5K run instead, the 5K River Run begins at 8:10 a.m. along the same route. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in both genders, with additional prizes awarded to the overall first place finishers and the top three overall best times.

"Adding a 10K run to the Bob Leonard River Run and Walk is exciting and allows us to provide more options to a larger part of the running community," event chairwoman Jennifer Leonard Biddle stated in a news release. "We also added the Canine Companion Run to include our four-legged friends allowing the entire family to participate."

For those who wish to walk instead of run, the 5K walk route begins at 8:15 a.m. and leads walkers along the Fox River and through downtown St. Charles, with the turnaround point in Mount St. Mary Park. With this walk separated from the run course, families, friends, and strollers are welcome to explore St. Charles, the Fox River, and Sculptures in the Park at Mount St. Mary Park, along with the opportunity to view the new "If I Could Fly" sculpture along the Bob Leonard Walkway.

For those who wish to travel with their four-legged friend, the newly founded 5K Canine Companion River Run begins at 9:30 a.m. and traverses the hills of Timber Trails Park along the same course as the 5K. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, goody bag, and canine gift upon check-in at the event.

For children ages 4-11, the third annual Kids' Turtle Hurdle Obstacle Course leads kids over, under, around, through, and in various challenges to the finish line. Since waiting in line can be a bore, children are able to fish for prizes, color their T-shirt, and be awed by the magic of Scott Piner while waiting their turn.

Children will be able to practice the course before their timed trial run and awards and prizes will be given for the top three finishers in each age category. Groups are separated every two years (ex. 4-5, 6-7, etc.) and each participant will receive both a T-shirt and goody bag upon check in at the event.

After all runs and the walk are completed, there will be a free celebration in the Pottawatomie Pavilion with live music by Jeff Leonard of Hartland, Wisconsin; great food, and raffle drawing valued up to $5,000 (winners need not be present to win). Registrants have the opportunity to upgrade their package to include a raffle ticket. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase on-site or by contacting the committee at info@sctrivercorridor.org. Prize drawings include vacations in Hawaii and Colorado, health club memberships, gift certificates and more. Check out more prizes on stcrivercorridor.org and on the Facebook page.

The Bob Leonard Run/Walk is a fundraiser for the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles, a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization. The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles supports and advocates for projects that will enhance the downtown-riverfront environment as a destination for cultural, educational, recreational, and economic opportunities that are accessible to all.